Insurance rate by car: how make and model matter
The make and model of your car has a major impact on your car insurance rate. Insurers determine your rate based on a variety of factors, including how often your make and model is involved in insurance claims, how much it costs to repair or replace the vehicle, and which safety features are included in your model.
Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
What cars are most expensive to insure?
The cars most expensive to insure are cars with low safety ratings, high repair/replacement costs, more insurance claims, and a higher likelihood to cause damage to others. These cars tend to cost insurers more in claims costs, and insurers price policies accordingly.
Using IIHS-HLDI's insurance losses by make and model, the following 2021-2023 car models may be more expensive to insure than the average car:
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Durango
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Kia Stinger
These models may have higher insurance rates because they tend to have more frequent and more expensive collision claims than the average passenger vehicle.
Luxury cars and cars with higher trim levels often have higher rates as well because they're more expensive to repair than moderately priced cars and cars with lower trim levels. That said, several factors affect your car insurance rate, and your car's make and model is just one. Find out ways to lower your car insurance rate.
What cars are least expensive to insure?
Using the same IIHS-HLDI collision coverage loss data, the following vehicle models may be among the least expensive cars to insure when compared to the average:
- GMC Sierra 3500
- GMC Sierra 2500
- Jeep Wrangler (two-door)
- Chevrolet Colorado crew cab
- Honda CR-V
- Ford Bronco (two-door) convertible
Getting one of these vehicles doesn't guarantee you'll have cheaper car insurance, however. If you have a history of car insurance claims or moving violations, or if you live in an area more prone to car theft and accidents, your rate may be higher.
Can your car's safety features lower your insurance rate?
Yes, your car's safety features may lower your insurance rate, especially if your car has the latest safety features. Safer vehicles tend to have fewer and less expensive claims, which may result in a lower insurance rate. Explore the IIHS-HLDI top safety picks for the safest models.
Why does a car's make and model impact insurance rates?
A car's make, model, year, and even trim level impacts insurance rates because:
- Some makes and models are more prone to costly insurance claims
- Newer models may have updated safety features
- Newer models may be more expensive
- Higher trims levels may be more expensive
Your car's make, model, year, and trim level are essential information when you're shopping for car insurance and comparing car insurance rates. Your insurance rate is determined with your vehicle's specific information, your choice of insurance coverages, and your personal driving profile.
Pro tip:
If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, your vehicle's model will affect your rate more. These coverages are for your own vehicle rather than damage you cause to others. So if your car is more expensive to repair or replace and you have comprehensive or collision, your rate may be higher.
Car insurance by make
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